What’s The Verdict: Janet Jackson’s announces new album + new label with artist incentives but is it feasible?

What’s The Verdict: Janet Jackson’s announces new album + new label with huge artist incentives but is it feasible?

Here it comes…the moment you have all been waiting for…Janet Jackson’s next studio album since 2008 will be released this fall (potentially end of summer) via BMG as the distributor. The album will mark Jackson’s first venture with her newly formed label Rhythm Nation, which will be offered to both new and established artists, although there is no one signed to it yet (that we know of).

The partnership between BMG and Rhythm Nation is an “artist services deal,” which is different that a traditional record deal in one major way. It basically allows her and other artists that are signed to the label to retain full ownership and revenue over recordings. The artist services deal is designed to put artists in the driver’s seat, which is arguably a new concept within the music industry.

This gets a bit more interesting after clarifying that BMG is not a record label, but a publishing company. With that, BMG functions to find licensees and on the flip side of that means that artists are financing their own records and getting them out into the world via distribution deals.

To be clear, the artist services deal is a wonderful concept of putting artists in the driver’s seat and giving them more ownership; however, the artist services deal likely means that Janet is paying for the artists. This is great, so long as it can be maintained.

In effect, the amount of money used to finance artists may (or may not) be contingent upon the success of her album to be released in fall. Perhaps, there is enough to financially support Jackson and other artists long-term, but it’s undeniable that the first venture is always important in terms of future predictions.

Do you think the new album will be a smashing hit? Or perhaps will she be a bit rusty? Can’t wait to get more promo details on the upcoming album. Stay tuned for more updates on What’s The Verdict!